Tag: autumn

Categories
Christianity

A Fruitful Fall Event

A Fruitful Fall Event

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview a pastor about a fruitful fall event his church held. The children’s pastor at Celebration Church at Arrow Heights held a a family-friendly event the day before Halloween. They christened it the Trunk and Treat Hallelujah Party. Here is a link to the article:

Indiana Church Celebrates Fruitful Fall Outreach, Looks Ahead to Winter and Spring - Church of God Ministries

The organizer of the event has experienced a year of tragedy. But instead of turning inward, she channeled her heartache to ministering in her community. As a result, the area families had a safe, fun fall event that attracted all ages.

Yesterday, I wrote that a prayer of thanks is so powerful. That can be easy when things are going our way. But what about when things are far from ideal? What if we are in a season of tragedy and loss? Can anything good come from sorrow and morning?

By the grace of God, the answer is yes! Granted, it is not healthy to deny our emotions when we experience pain and suffering. We must be honest and allow ourselves to express grief.

But instead of turning inward, we can take our pain and make something beautiful of it.

“He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.”

Isaiah 61:3 NLT

Whatever you are going through, may you find a crown of beauty for ashes.

Categories
motivation Running

Running Against the Wind

Photo of autumn leaves with the caption "Running Against the Wind"

Yesterday, Autumn made it clear it was here to stay. There was a dusting of snow on the ground and the wind was stiff. Bob Segar’s, Against the Wind came to mind. For the first time this season, I didn’t run in shorts. My legs thanked me. I searched for a pair of running gloves and a warm hat.

Depending on the direction I ran, the wind made me cold. I was glad for the gloves, warm hat, and jacket. It made things doable. When my back to the wind, I was tempted to think I didn’t need any of the warmer clothing. It was easy to think it was all overkill. But a sudden gust or change in direction soon proved me wrong.

My reward was the last few bursts of autumn color, and a cup of hot coffee and breakfast when I was done. Getting the courage to go out can be a challenge, but I am always glad I did.

Photo of read, autumn leaves
Photo of red autumn leaves © 2021 Kevin Spear

When we face any venture, we will have resistance like the wind. Yesterday’s run reminded me of the following:

  • Be prepared
    • The wind doesn’t care if you’re prepared of not. It will just blow
    • Being unprepared prevents me from enjoying myself
    • Being prepared helps me enjoy new experiences
  • Cursing the wind doesn’t make it go away
  • Giving up when there’s resistance prevents me of something better
  • There is always something beautfiul along the way

When you’re facing resistance, be prepared, face it, and enjoy the experience on the other side. It’s worth it!

Categories
motivation

A Time to be Still and a Time to Take Action

Cartoon of two children running. Someone is throwing acorns at them. One says, "You shouldn't insult squirrels when they're in trees and have ammo."

One warm autumn day, I was enjoying my lunch on a park bench when I noticed projectiles dropping around me. I looked up to see a squirrel gnawing on a nut. He wasn’t the least bit happy I was under his tree. Didn’t I know he had to prepare for winter?

It wasn’t long before I realized I better move and find another place. I could have been stubborn and kept eating there. But I wasn’t enjoying the bits of acorns that were pelting my head.

Cartoon of two children running. Someone is throwing acorns at them. One says, "You shouldn't insult squirrels when they're in trees and have ammo."

I’ve seen some people who haven’t enjoyed their situation. They may not be satisfied with their job or a relationship. They just may be frustrated that things haven’t changed much in years. But instead of taking action, they like to complain about it and just stay there. If you’re tired of the situation you are in, there are actions you can take today to get moving.

  • Learn a new skill
  • Seek with anticipation for new opportunities
  • Change your routine
  • Ask yourself, “What would it take to improve this situation?”
  • Journal about your observations

There is a time to be still and a time to take action. Don’t let that annoying squirrel keep pelting you with acorns!

Categories
Just fun

Turning of the Seasons

King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes wrote, “There is a time and a season for everything.” The seasons are turning in Ohio and Indiana. And I am fine with that. 

Last year, we missed autumn because we were in Arizona. My wife and I tried to get used to drinking pumpkin spiced concoctions in one hundred degree heat. We never could quite get used to it. This autumn feels normal again. The frost is on the pumpkin and the fodder’s in the shock. (Thank you, James Whitcomb Riley)

What does all this mean on an autumn Saturday? Only that things change. Life changes continually, and I love it. Now, ask me again in a few months when the snow is falling, the temperature plummets and I start complaining about selling my snow blower!

Categories
activities Coloring Page

Scarecrow Coloring Page

Spear-Scarecrow-coloring

The other night, A full September moon lit up the night sky. I love it when the moon is so bright it casts clear shadows! That made me want to draw a coloring page for you.

Continue reading “Scarecrow Coloring Page”